man of intrigue

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "man of intrigue" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a person who is mysterious, captivating, or involved in complex situations, often in a way that arouses curiosity or interest. Example: "The novel's protagonist is a man of intrigue, whose past is shrouded in secrets and deception."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

Man of intrigue?

The New York Times

Sure, the damage he inflicts is with a flick of the mouse rather than a fusillade of gunfire, but his credentials as international man of intrigue are unassailable.

The New York Times

Bogart plays a bitter, cashiered Army officer aboard the Japanese freighter Genoa Maru, bound from Canda to Yokohama, via Panama, with Astor as a woman of mystery and Greenstreet as a man of intrigue.

The New York Times

Indeed, the persona of the charming but deadly international man of intrigue has fit Brosnan like a tailored tuxedo since well before the James Bond franchise came his way in 1995, going all the way back to his breakout role on the 1980s TV series "Remington Steele".

Los Angeles Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

52 human-written examples

Through the power of words alone — the conflicting rumors that he spreads in drawing rooms and cafés where journalists, diplomats, and spies crossed paths — Voronin builds a one-man empire of intrigue that collapses along with the French regime that sheltered it.

The New Yorker

He was a man of rages, intrigues, courageous confrontations, benders, impulsive decisions.

The New Yorker

The man had an air of intrigue that Toledano sought to reproduce in the photograph in post-production.

The New Yorker

One misstep and you could be an innocent man swept into a whirlpool of intrigue.

The New York Times - Magazine

The theme of the innocent man trapped in a web of intrigue was one Hitchcock would visit so regularly that the term "Hitchcockian hero" became shorthand for such characters, and The 39 Steps serves as its standard bearer.

The Guardian - Film

But by no means all.Economists, who tend to think self-interest governs most actions of man, are intrigued, and have identified several reasons to explain good deeds of this kind.

The Economist

The book, at No. 3 on the list, offers 944 pages of intrigue following the hero and the man under the armor, Tony Stark.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "man of intrigue" to describe a character in fiction or a real-life individual known for their complex, mysterious, and captivating nature. It adds a layer of depth and allure to the description.

Common error

Avoid using "man of intrigue" when a simpler descriptor like "interesting man" or "complex individual" would suffice. Overusing the phrase can make your writing sound pretentious or melodramatic.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "man of intrigue" functions as a noun phrase, typically used as a subject complement or object of a preposition. It serves to describe a person characterized by mystery, complexity, and captivating qualities. As Ludwig AI suggests, the phrase is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Encyclopedias

25%

Science

0%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Social Media

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "man of intrigue" is a noun phrase used to depict someone mysterious and captivating, as confirmed by Ludwig. While grammatically correct and usable, it's relatively rare, primarily appearing in news and media contexts. Ludwig's analysis suggests its purpose is to evoke fascination and highlight the complexity of an individual, making it suitable for formal or neutral registers. When writing, reserve "man of intrigue" for contexts where mystery and complexity are central, avoiding overuse in simpler descriptions. Consider synonyms like "enigmatic figure" or "mysterious person" for variety.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

person of mystery

A more straightforward way to express the unknown and intriguing nature of the individual.

enigmatic figure

Focuses on the mysterious and puzzling nature of the individual.

mysterious person

Highlights the obscurity and hidden aspects of the individual's character.

secretive individual

Emphasizes the tendency to keep information hidden or private.

figure of hidden depths

Emphasizes that the individual has complexities and secrets that are not immediately apparent.

scheming character

Suggests a person involved in plotting and intricate plans.

undercover operative

Implies a person working secretly, often in espionage or intelligence.

shadowy figure

Conveys a sense of obscurity and hidden motives.

mastermind

Focuses on the individual's intelligence and strategic planning abilities, particularly in complex or illicit activities.

clandestine agent

Highlights the covert nature of their actions and affiliations.

FAQs

What does "man of intrigue" mean?

A "man of intrigue" is someone who is mysterious, captivating, and often involved in complex or secret activities. The phrase suggests a person whose past and motives are not easily understood, arousing curiosity.

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "man of intrigue"?

It's appropriate when describing a character or person whose life is filled with secrets, hidden agendas, or complex situations. The phrase adds a sense of mystery and drama to the description.

What are some alternatives to "man of intrigue"?

Alternatives include "enigmatic figure", "mysterious person", or "secretive individual". The best choice depends on the specific context and the nuance you want to convey.

How does "man of intrigue" differ from "man of mystery"?

While both phrases describe someone with hidden or unknown qualities, "man of intrigue" suggests a level of complexity and involvement in intricate situations that "man of mystery" might not always imply. A "man of intrigue" is often actively involved in schemes or plots.